Bill's Newscast: Coconino County Rescues

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The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has been keeping busy with rescues.

On Saturday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a climbing accident at Oak Creek Vista off Highway 89A. A 34 year old Phoenix woman had suffered serious injuries after she fell 40 feet. Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Clifton describes the method used to get the injured woman to safety. The climber was flown out by helicopter to Flagstaff Medical Center. Two days later, an injured hiker was rescued off Humphrey’s Peak. Three hikers from Flagstaff were on a trail when one of them slipped on some ice and suffered a shoulder injury. Commander Rex Gilliland says search and rescue personnel faced extremely dangerous conditions in trying to reach the injured hiker. The hiker’s arm was splinted and he was helped down the trail. He refused additional medical care.

Bradshaw Ranger District Fire Managers plan on taking advantage of the cooler weather.

Managers are scheduled to burn piles at various locations now through the end of the month. The piles are made up of debris left over from brush-crush and thinning projects. Last month, 300 acres of piles were burned to help reduce hazardous fuels that could cause wildfires. The piles are located in Deering Park, Thumb Butte, Groom Creek and Sierra Prieta. In the interest of safety, Prescott National Forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution, as prescribed fire burn units and related traffic will be in the area. All burning activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as best as possible.

Yavapai County’s Stormwater Management Plan

County Flood Control representatives hosted a meeting about the plan Wednesday afternoon. A brief presentation was followed by an opportunity to ask questions, get answers and provide suggestions and feedback. The purpose of the Stormwater Management Program is to comply with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s General Permit for discharges from the County’s storm sewer system. Flood Control officials have completed a Notice of Intent to discharge. Annual reports are available at the Flood Control District office on Commerce Drive in Prescott during regular business hours.

Watch for turn restrictions on Highway 89 starting this week.

North and southbound left turn lane restrictions will be in place on 89 and MacCurdy Drive through next spring. The speed limit in the work zone between Deep Well Ranch Road and Highway 89A is 35 miles per hour. Drivers are asked to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible. Meanwhile, over on the nearby Willow Creek Road, City of Prescott crews have completed asphalt paving. Crews are now performing concrete work, minor cleanup activities and adjusting water valves and raising manhole covers. Work is taking place along Willow Creek Road from Mitchell Road to the Green Lane and Pulliam Drive intersection, and along Gail Gardner Way from Iron Springs Road to Willow Creek. Work hours are 7 am to 7 pm today through Friday and next Monday through Wednesday.